Kamuzu Academy and the Kamuzu Academy Alumni Association on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing the welfare of students at the institution.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Lilongwe, the Chairperson of the Kamuzu Academy Alumni Association, Hilda Singo, said the agreement seeks to assist academically talented but financially disadvantaged students.
Singo noted that the initiative is a gesture of appreciation from the alumni for the quality education and foundation they received from the academy over the years.
On his part,Chairperson of the Kamuzu Academy Board of Governors, Dr. Francis Pelekamoyo, emphasized that the MoU will strengthen collaboration between the school and its alumni, providing a framework for regular communication and joint activities.
The Alumni Association intends to support as many students as possible, with the number depending on the resources mobilized through various fundraising efforts.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Member of Parliament for Blantyre Chilomoni, Kabula, and Nancholi Constituency, Noel Lipipa, has condemned the reported harassment of Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC ) Director General (DG ),George Kasakula, describing the incident as an affront to the values and principles of the DPP.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News, Lipipa said the individuals who attacked Kasakula while masquerading as DPP members had engaged in acts of ‘sheer hooliganism’ that contradict the core beliefs of the party.
Lipipa
“I find this morning’s reprehensible harassment of George Kasakula as an affront to the values our party stands for.
“The individuals responsible, who pretended to be DPP members, have engaged in sheer hooliganism that contradicts our every principle,” said Lipipa.
He emphasized that under the leadership of President Arthur Peter Mutharika, the DPP remains a party founded on law and order, with no tolerance for violence or vigilantism.
“Under the leadership of Arthur Peter Mutharika, the DPP is a party of law and order. There is no tolerance for vigilantism or savagery within our ranks,” he said.
The legislator further called upon the Malawi Police Service(MPS ) to swiftly investigate the matter and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.
“As a bona fide member, I demand the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and call upon the police to ensure they are held personally accountable for this heinous act,” added Lipipa .
He stressed that the DPP should not be defined by the ‘thuggery of a misguided few’ but rather by its commitment to justice, discipline, and lawful conduct.
“We will not allow the DPP to be defined by the thuggery of a misguided few. Our identity is, and must remain, one of justice and lawful conduct,” concluded Lipipa.
On Friday, Kasakula, went live on the state broadcaster to apologise to Mutharika, First Lady Getrude Mutharika and the DPP members for whatever remarks he made against them in the run-up to the September 16 general elections.
Later ,Kasakula explained that the apology was made after being pressurized by other DPP supporters.
He said some roughnecks stormed into his office on the same day morning and demanded that he make a public apology to Mutharika before driving him out of his office.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Member of Parliament(MP ) for Lilongwe Nyanja, Baba Steven Malondera, has criticized the newly elected Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration under President Arthur Peter Mutharika for what he describes as ‘populist campaign promises’ that have failed to withstand economic realities.
In a Facebook post, Malondera says Malawians are now witnessing the truth behind the DPP’s campaign rhetoric, particularly its promise to reduce fertilizer prices to K50,000 per bag once elected back into power.
“During the campaign, the DPP told innocent Malawians exactly what they wanted to hear that fertilizer prices would drop drastically to K50,000.
Malondela
“They blamed Lazarus Chakwera’s government for high fertilizer prices and called it a leadership failure.
“But when the Chakwera administration explained that global market shocks were responsible for the price surge including high shipping costs, fuel hikes, and disrupted supply chains, DPP dismissed it all as excuses,” says Malondera in a Facebook post.
He notes that the Fertilizer Association of Malawi(FAM), an independent body, has recently reported that global shipping costs have risen from US$366 to US$515 per metric tonne, pushing fertilizer prices even higher, a situation similar to what the previous MCP-led government faced.
“This is exactly what Chakwera’s administration said. The increase in prices is a ripple effect of global economic factors that no government can control.
“So, what will DPP tell Malawians now that the global market suddenly turned against them after they won the election?,” he asks .
The Lilongwe Nyanja legislator accuses the DPP of relying on populist tactics rather than presenting credible policy solutions during the campaign.
“DPP rose on a wave of populism, not realism.They sold a dream cheap fertilizer, instant prosperity, and quick fixes but without a credible plan or an honest understanding of global realities.Populism works in rallies, but it collapses in the real economy,” he says.
Malondera has however,urged the new administration to act responsibly and present a realistic Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament, assuring that MCP lawmakers will objectively analyze and support policies that serve the interests of Malawians.
“Now that DPP is in power, they must confront the truth they denied: Malawi’s economy is not insulated from the global market. Shipping costs do not take orders from political manifestos.
“As MCP, we will support constructive measures that promote accountability and economic stability,” he says.
In closing, Malondera has appealed for national unity and continued respect for the former president Chakwera, commending his leadership and calling for prayers for him and the MCP.
“Let us remember Dr. Chakwera and the Malawi Congress Party in our prayers. Populism may win elections, but it never wins against economics,” he concludes.
United States of America (USA) based Pastor Wes Gun who is also Patron of Chikondi Health Foundation (CHF) has donated a fire engine to Airport Development Limited (ADL).
Speaking during the handover ceremony which took place at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) Gunn emphasized the critical role of fire trucks at airports, noting that without them, airplanes cannot land safely.
Gun highlights the growing need for such equipment in Malawi as the country sees an increase in tourist arrivals.
Gun said the value of the donated fire truck is underscored, not just for its immediate utility but also for its potential to save lives in case of accidents.
“This truck will complement the existing equipment provided by the government of Malawi and Airport Development Limited (ADL) at the Kamuzu International Airport,” he said.
Gun says this is the first time they have sent a fire truck to Malawi, having previously donated medical equipment, tractors, and other supplies to Malawi.
He expresses hope that this will not be the last time they donate fire trucks, as there is often surplus equipment in the United States that can be shared.
Wes Gun also mentioned possibility of providing training for Malawian firefighters in the future, sharing expertise in firefighting and hazmat operations.
Receiving the Donation, Technical Director in the Ministry of Transport and public works , Fergus Gondwe commended Gun for the timely donation.
Gondwe described the donation as another important milestone in the growth of aviation sector.
“The official handover of a fire truck generously donated to Ministry of Transport and Public Works through Airport Developments Limited by Pastor Gun, will enhance emergency response capacity,” he said.
Gondwe said the function demonstrates celebration of partnership, goodwill, and shared commitment to improving aviation safety in the country.
“Safety is the backbone of aviation, and the addition of this fire truck to our fleet will significantly strengthen the emergency response capacity of Kamuzu International Airport, KIA,” he said.
This donation will help ensure that KIA continues to meet and maintain the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements for Category 9 Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Services, a critical standard for airports handling large commercial aircrafts. Distinguished Guests, Ladies and gentlemen, this donation comes at a time when Ministry of Transport and Public Works through ADL continues to modernize airport infrastructure and strengthen safety systems across the country, from Kamuzu International Airport, Chileka International Airport and to regional airports like Mzuzu and Karonga. At regional airports such as Mzuzu and Karonga, we are implementing upgrades that will soon allow for full commercial operations. Each improvement, including this one, contributes to Malawi’s broader vision of enhanced air connectivity, tourism growth, and economic transformation.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to take this moment to extend our deepest appreciation to Pastor Gun, and maybe some of you here may not be aware, he is a fire fighter by profession. Sir, your generous gesture speaks volumes about your passion for aviation safety and your spirit of service. As a firefighter yourself, you understand better than anyone the value of well-equipped emergency response teams. Through this donation, you have made a lasting contribution to the safety of thousands of travelers who pass through our airports every year. On behalf of Ministry of Transport and Public Works, Airport Developments Limited, and indeed on behalf of the people of Malawi, we say thank you. Your act of generosity will not only enhance our capacity but will also inspire others to play their part in strengthening our aviation sector.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and gentlemen, as we receive and commission this fire truck today, we reaffirm our commitment to maintaining safe, reliable, and efficient airport operations across all our facilities. Together with partners like Pastor Gun and the continued support of the Government of Malawi, we are building safer skies for our nation. Thank you, and may this donation serve as a beacon of cooperation, generosity, and progress for Malawi’s aviation industry.
Chikwawa District Health Office (DHO) has announced plans to roll out a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign targeting girls aged between 9 and 18 years.
The campaign, which forms part of Malawi’s broader efforts to curb cervical cancer, seeks to enhance protection among young girls before they become exposed to the virus.
Speaking during a media briefing held at Chikwawa DHO on Thursday, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Coordinator for Chikwawa, Ebenezer Lester Banda, emphasized that stakeholders are currently mobilizing resources and awareness to ensure maximum participation.
Banda said community engagement and education are at the heart of the campaign’s success, noting that efforts are underway to sensitize parents, teachers, and traditional leaders about the importance of HPV vaccination.
He explained that the campaign also aims to catch up on missed vaccinations caused by past interruptions in health service delivery, particularly those linked to the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical challenges.
“Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women in Malawi,” said Banda. “This campaign is a critical step in preventing future cases, and we want every eligible girl in Chikwawa to be reached.”
The HPV vaccine is widely recognized by health experts as a safe and effective way to prevent infections that can lead to cervical cancer later in life.
Banda further appealed to parents and guardians to ensure that eligible girls are available at designated vaccination sites during the campaign period.
The Chikwawa DHO, with technical and logistical support from UNICEF, will implement the campaign from October 27 to 31, 2025.
Health authorities are optimistic that the initiative will not only boost vaccine coverage in Chikwawa but also contribute significantly to the national goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat.
As preparations continue, the district health team is calling for collective action from all sectors of society to support the campaign and safeguard the health of Malawi’s future generation of women.
